Harry Kane is likely to miss not only England’s friendly against Brazil but also the clash with Belgium. Meanwhile, coach Gareth Southgate said Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer have a “better chance”
Despite a left ankle injury sustained in FC Bayern’s 5:2 win at Darmstadt, Harry Kane made the trip to England. As national team coach Gareth Soutghate announced at the press conference on Friday evening, the 30-year-old will have to be patient for his 90th international appearance
Who will replace Kane?
“No Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson or Cole Palmer tomorrow,” Southgate told media representatives. As for Kane, England’s national team coach added that he would not only miss the literal acid test against Brazil on Saturday evening (8pm), but would also be “extremely doubtful” for the following friendly against Belgium (Tuesday, 8.45pm).
Southgate has not yet decided who will replace the FCB striker in the clash with the Brazilians. In Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, the 53-year-old has two suitable alternatives at his disposal who are “aware that this is a great opportunity.” Both Toney, who is now back as a regular at Brentford following his eight-month ban for betting offences, and Watkins, currently the second-highest scorer in the Premier League, “are in good form”.
“Better chances” for Henderson and Palmer
Compared to Kane, Southgate was more confident about Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer’s chances against Belgium. “I’d say Cole and Hendo have a better chance against Belgium than Harry,” said the Three Lions coach, who doesn’t see the injury absences as a negative: “It’s a great opportunity for other players. We need to see them before the European Championship. From our point of view, it’s a great exercise and opportunity.”
When the English national team face Serbia in their European Championship opener on June 16, another important player is likely to be back in the squad. The English team had already announced the departure of Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka on Thursday, saying it was a precautionary measure.
